Big things in store for Chinchilla

The Big Melon in Chinchilla has been shortlisted in Wotif’s ‘Next Big Thing’ campaign.

You’ve heard the expression ‘the bigger the better’ and that’s what locals and visitors to Chinchilla may have to look forward to if The Big Melon were to become a reality.

The Big Melon has made it on to a list of finalists for the ‘Next Big Thing’ by travel company Wotif with the decision now resting in the hands of the public after a two-week nationwide search that saw thousands of Aussies submit their ideas.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Smith said he was excited that there were two Queensland options in the final four.

“It’s State of Origin all over again! There’s us (Chinchilla) and Kingaroy up the road up against Glenn Innes and Mittagong in NSW,” he said.

“Domestic tourism is something we strive to keep improving here in the Western Downs, to attract visitors to our region and support our local businesses, and we have a reputation for putting great events such as the Chinchilla Melon Festival every two years.

“It would be a terrific drawcard because we know how popular all the “big ” things are, not just in Queensland, but everywhere, so fingers crossed for the Big Melon.”

The Big Melon, Chinchilla (QLD): famous for its melon production and home of the popular Melon Fest, Chinchilla looks for a Big Melon to celebrate the region’s produce

The Big Kilt, Glen Innes Highlands (NSW): featuring Glen Innes’ own signature tartan, the Big Kilt would highlight the towns early Scottish settlers and Celtic history

The Big Peanut, Kingaroy (QLD): known as the “Peanut Capital of Australia”, Kingaroy’s unique soil makes it one of the world’s most ideal places to grow peanuts and houses Australia’s largest peanut processing plant, making the Big Peanut a natural fit for the area

The Big Tulip, Mittagong (NSW): gateway to one of Australia’s oldest floral festivals, Tulip Time, which results in the planting of over 100,000 tulips in the area each spring, Mittagong and its neighbouring tulip towns rally for the Big Tulip to commemorate their efforts